FAQs

This will depend on your programme provider, but the certificate is most likely to be at Level 6 or Level 7, i.e. graduate or post-graduate level.

The CertAVN is a graduate post-registration qualification, therefore the lowest achievement level will be at a level 6, but it also allows for incorporation into further extended study such as Masters degrees.

It is illegal under the VMRs to supply or administer an out of date or expired veterinary medicinal product, including CDs.

All multi-dose injectables will have an “in use shelf-life” that tells the user how long the vial can be used for, after it has first been broached. It is illegal under the VMRs to use a medicine for longer than this period.

Multi-dose vials should be marked with the date of first opening, or the date of expiry, and any medicine left in the vial after the specified time must be discarded/denatured. If the medicine is a Schedule 2 CD, denaturing must be independently witnessed.

In 47% of PSS assessments, assessors found that there was lack of evidence of temperature monitoring for medicines.

Medicines need to be stored at the correct temperature in accordance with the Summary of Product Characteristics.

Where medicines are to be stored at ambient room temperature, the temperature should be kept between 8°C and 25°C and should be monitored. This is especially important where the outside temperature is particularly high or low.

Medicines such as vaccines and insulin need to be refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C. They should only be removed from the refrigerator for immediate use.

Fridge temperatures should be monitored daily, ideally by the same person, and the results logged, or if monitored by using an electronic data logger these should be alarmed, the alarm checked daily to make sure it has stayed within range and the data downloaded weekly.

A written standard operating procedure should be in place, detailing the actions to be taken should the temperatures fluctuate outside the recommended limits.

A full accreditation cycle is 7 years; however, the RCVS may grant shorter accreditation for programmes where they feel an earlier review is needed to consider progress being made towards areas needing improvement. This accreditation classification is known as ‘Accreditation for a shorter period’.

Regardless of the period of classification, the RCVS may trigger an earlier accreditation event if the yearly reports indicate there are standards that are not being met, that there are risks to student learning and experience or if there are major changes to the programme.

In some instances, where the problems are perhaps widespread and / or could severely impact student learning and experience, an accreditation classification of ‘Conditional accreditation’ could be granted. Conditional accreditation is essentially a ‘final warning’ for the programme; the Department must work to meet all the RCVS standards and provide evidence of this by the date set.

Each programme provider will have specific criteria for their entry requirements – and you can see the current list of providers.

All such medicines supplied by a veterinary practice must be labelled in accordance with the Veterinary Medicines Regulations ‘VMRs’.  For products supplied under the Cascade, the following information must be always included: 

1. The name and address of the pharmacy, veterinary surgery or approved premises supplying the veterinary medicinal product
2. The name of the veterinary surgeon who has prescribed the product
3. The name and address of the animal owner
4. The identification (including the species) of the animal or group of animals
5. The date of supply
6. The expiry date of the product, if applicable
7. The name or description of the product, which should include at least the name and quantity of active ingredients
8. Dosage and administration instructions
9. Any special storage precautions
10. Any necessary warnings for the user, target species, administration or disposal of the product
11. The withdrawal period, if relevant
12. The words ‘Keep out of reach of children’ and ‘For animal treatment only’.

You cannot sit in the hearing room and listen to other witnesses before giving your evidence, as this may prejudice the case. There will be a separate room for witnesses who are giving evidence where you can wait. There may also be other witnesses for the College in the room, so we ask that you do not discuss your evidence with anyone before or after you have given it until the DC has announced its decision.

As with any legal proceedings, it is possible that there will be delays so this is why we recommend bringing a book or other activity to keep you occupied whilst you are waiting.

View all our courses in our RCVS Academy brochure on the RCVS website

The e-portfolio will not be assessed for a pass or fail. Following an initial screening within the RCVS Education department it will go to one of our panel of VetGDP Advisers who will peer review all e-portfolios. The peer reviewer will either agree that you have completed your VetGDP or give you feedback on any further additions they feel are needed to your e-portfolio.

The RCVS is working closely with your Department heads to ensure that all students are informed and supported during this time. Your day-to-day classes and programme will continue as normal whilst the Department is working on making improvements to the programme. However, if you are worried you should contact your university support services. Emotional and mental health support for veterinary students is also available via the Vetlife charity’s free, confidential helpline on 0303 040 2551.